Developer: Dead Kmart replacement set to (partially) move forward

Josh Green

Tue, 11/12/2024 – 15:59

The long-planned “urban lifestyle” replacement for a demolished and cleared Kmart in Doraville is gearing up to finally move forward—at least partially.

Miami-based developer Resia, the company behind a five-building residential project on Memorial Drive and another in Douglasville, is gearing up to build the first phase of a sizable multifamily project at 5593 Buford Highway, company officials tell Urbanize Atlanta.

Resia Lotus Grove’s initial phase calls for a 12-story building—the tallest in Doraville, per project officials—with 456 apartments and perks that include a pool and fitness center.

Gus Cabrera, Resia’s director of business development, recently told Urbanize infrastructure work on the residential tower has begun, and full development is on pace to start next year.

Project renderings “are still being massaged” and aren’t available for public release, per Resia officials.

The scope of Resia’s work will include shared infrastructure for what’s planned to be a much larger, mixed-use destination, situated just beyond Interstate 285 along the foodie mecca that is Buford Highway. Real estate investment firm Insignia is putting together the larger project.

The cleared, 13-acre site, as seen along Buford Highway this past summer. Google Maps

The planned layout for Kmart’s replacement, Lotus Grove, according to 2021 renderings. Insignia LLC; designs, Reside Studios

A Kmart Big K operated on the 13-acre Doraville property until 2010. It was fully cleared two years ago, ostensibly setting the stage for a complex called Lotus Grove that promised to continue the development trend of urban-style, mixed-use nodes along Atlanta’s near-northside in cities such as Chamblee and Dunwoody.

Where the full Lotus Grove project stands today remains a question mark. Inquiries to Insignia officials in recent weeks haven’t been returned.

According to the developer’s website, Lotus Grove will eventually see two 12-story residential towers (with 780 units total) as part of roughly 1 million square feet of new construction.

Other facets would include a national hotel and a public park designed to be activated for events.

“Lotus Grove will bring more urbanization to the City of Doraville and its surrounding neighborhoods,” reads Insignia’s description, “while revitalizing Buford Highway.”

The 13-acre Doraville site along Buford Highway, looking east, with Interstate 285 at right. Google Maps

Lotus Grove commercial facades. Insignia LLC

Three years ago, Doraville’s Downtown Development Authority issued roughly $120 million worth of revenue bonds that Insignia will have to pay back, plus a tax abatement in the ballpark of $40 million.

The Lotus Grove site is less than a mile from the initial phase of Doraville’s Assembly Atlanta TV and film studio and greenspace complex, which has risen from the ashes of a razed General Motors plant.

Find more context and the latest available imagery in the gallery above.

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